JULIAN WOOD describes Berkshire's remaining Minor Counties Championships games as "two big ones" as he looks towards the Western Division title race.

His side had to be content with a draw against Shropshire yesterday after rain had brought a premature halt to proceedings at Sonning Lane.

Wood had set a target of 271 in 50 overs after declaring the second innings on 228-6.

Shropshire were 90-1 off 18 overs when the game was abandoned.

"It was building up to a very good finish," said Wood.

The visitors, however, felt they were in a stronger position and recalled the 1998 match between the two sides when they overhauled a massive total of 326 in 55 overs with seven wickets and five overs to spare.

Yesterday's draw, however, keeps Berks, who collected 10 points, among the title contenders.

Five counties are in the title race including Wiltshire, the side they face at Westbury starting on Sunday.

Berkshire then complete their fixtures against Devon at Finchampstead on August 17-19.

"They are two very big games for us, particularly the Wiltshire one as they are right up there with us in the table," said Wood.

"But there is no reason why we can't go there and beat them.

"All our batsmen are in form and we have bowled well against Shropshire, especially Carl Crowe."

The former Leicestershire spinner took 6-93 in Shropshire's first innings of 325-7dec. That gave Berks a first innings lead of 43 runs which they built on steadily yesterday.

Resuming at 19-1, they lost Lee Nurse at 26 and Paul Carter for 23 before Wood and Bjorn Mordt lifted the total from 50-3 to 113 in 54 minutes.

Wood was out for 31 and 18 runs later Mordt was bowled by former Leiestershire and Essex all-rounder Tim Mason for 46, made off 61 balls and which included five boundaries.

With Berks looking for quick runs, Steve Naylor followed instructions in fine style, cracking an unbeaten 66 off 58 balls with the help of two sixes and eight boundaries.

He and Crowe (19) added 64 in 40 minutes before Wood declared on 228 to set Shropshire a sporting target.

Opener Steve Adshead, the former Leicestershire player who has appeared for Worcestershire this season, was bowled by James Theunissen for 18 with the total on 34.

But, with dark clouds beginning to gather, Tony Parton decided quick runs were needed and he hit 44 with the help of eight boundaries before rain brought about an early finish.